Mary Rose Williams, 89, of Liberty, formerly of Norborne, passed away Monday, July 21, 2025, at Norterre in Liberty. Mary was enjoying the last few months living at the independent living facility at The Wellington in Liberty, where she made many friends.
Mary was born on October 22, 1935, in Ray County, the daughter of James Jacob and Opal Mae (Russell) Fifer. She was united in marriage to Paul E. Williams of Richmond on November 25, 1954; he preceded her in death on March 26, 2012.
Survivors include: son, Glen (Janet) Williams of Garden City, KS; two daughters, Kathy (Jerry) Gaughran of Napoleon and Serena Smith of Liberty; 11 grandchildren: Angie (Mark) Tolbert, Kami (Mark) Murphy, Daniel (Shelbie) Williams, Joseph (Rebecca) Williams, Christina (Uzzi) Macy, Justin (Rachelle) Williams, Aaron Smith, Heather Goolsby, Carrie (Danny) Reddell, Jessica (Mario) Gonzalez, and Brian Gaughran; 19 great-grandchildren: Devon Tolbert, Brooklyn Tolbert, Luke Tolbert, Mackenzie Tolbert, Makayla Tolbert, Clay Tolbert, Jordyn Tolbert, Aidan Murphy, Cooper Murphy, Madeleine Murphy, Briggs Williams, Ryker Williams, Bristol Williams, Ainslee Williams, Amaris Williams, Persaius Williams, Evelette Williams, Sienna Macy, and Lillie Macy; great-great-grandchild, Gemini Tolbert; two brothers, Bobby (Barbara) Fifer of Hardin and James Fifer (Nancy Lowman) of Norborne, and four sisters: Lois Renzelman of Liberty, Ruby (Dwight) Vaughn of Richmond, Elsie (Don) Stevens of Richmond, and Linda (Steven) Mills of Kearney.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Mary was a 1953 graduate of Hardin-Central High School. She had a lifelong passion for quilting and was known for generously gifting her handmade creations to her grandchildren, friends, and extended family. Her love for quilting was matched by the joy she found in giving. Mary was also skilled in embroidery, crocheting, knitting, and canning. In her younger years, she enjoyed bowling and remained active in a variety of creative and domestic pursuits throughout her life. Her family fondly remembers the sweet treats she lovingly prepared each Christmas, especially her homemade candy and cookies. She also delighted in making pickles, sharing her talents and traditions with those around her. Mary enjoyed KU college basketball, the Chiefs, and the Royals. She worked at William Jewell College for over 20 years in the food service department, starting as a line cook and working her way up to secretary of the food service department. Mary really enjoyed serving the kids and forming relationships with the kids, especially those from the Hardin community. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the donor’s choice. They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home, 507 East Main Street-P.O. Box 190, Richmond, MO 64085.
Visitation with funeral services will be held on Friday, August 1, 2025, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond, with visitation beginning at 2:00 P.M., with services to follow at 3:00 P.M. Burial will be in Richmond Memory Gardens. Please remember to share your memories of Mary with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.
Source: KMZU, The Farm
